Internet-Based Intervention to Improve Mental Health Outcomes for Abused Women

Study Summary

The purpose for this trial is to test the effectiveness of the first interactive internet-based safety decision aid on abused women's exposure to repeat intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health outcomes. An improved safety decision-making process (e.g., knowing the advantages and disadvantages of the relationship, having enough information to make a decision) will increase safety-seeking behaviors which in turn will decrease exposure to repeat IPV and improve mental health outcomes. Findings from the development and initial test of our computerized safety decision aid suggests that it offered abused women privacy to consider personalized safety options, informed them about danger in their relationship and would be used again if they had access to it through a safe internet site. The investigators are conducting a five year experimental trial in four states (Oregon, Maryland, Missouri, and Arizona) to address the following aims: 1. Test the effectiveness of an interactive internet-based safety decision aid on abused women's safety seeking behaviors and exposure to violence compared to women assigned to control websites. The investigators hypothesize that at three, six, and 12 months post-baseline the intervention group will have increased safety seeking behaviors and reduced IPV exposure in comparison to the control group. 2. Test the effectiveness of an interactive internet-based safety decision aid on abused women's mental health compared to women assigned to control websites. The investigators hypothesize that at three, six, and 12 months post-baseline the intervention group will have improved mental health in comparison to the control group. 3. Test if the effect of an interactive internet-based safety decision aid on abused women's mental health and exposure to violence is mediated by the safety decision making process and safety-seeking behaviors. The investigators hypothesize that the intervention group will have a better decision making process and

Primary Outcome

This 46-item scale has been widely used with ethnically diverse women. It is designed to address types and severity of physical and sexual violence, including the threat of violence. The frequency of violence is based on a four-point scale (1=never to 4=many times) and the participants rank the severity of violence from mild to serious.

Interventions

• BEHAVIORAL Internet-based safety decision aid
• BEHAVIORAL Usual Care Safety Plan